New Mexico’s Cannabis Control Division (CCD) has announced that it issued the state’s first adult-use cannabis licenses Dec. 15 to three producers.

“This is a big day for New Mexico’s future,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, in a public statement. “I am proud of the work this administration has done. Securing legalization was only the first step. Creating an industry where New Mexico entrepreneurs can prosper and where communities can reap the economic benefit of a new industry is crucial. And today’s news is a key milepost in that ongoing effort.”

The first producer license went to Steve Martinez, Mitchell Martinez, and Tony Martinez, a father-and-sons team in Aztec.

The first micro producer licenses were awarded to Carver Family Farm in Albuquerque and BAUDABOOMZ2 in Edgewood.

“With the issuing of these three licenses, the adult-use cannabis industry in New Mexico is officially up and running,” said Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD) Superintendent Linda M. Trujillo, in a public statement. “In the coming days and weeks, we look forward to licensing more cannabis businesses and microbusinesses so that entrepreneurs, communities and the state can maximize the economic opportunities created by a thriving cannabis industry.”

New Mexico will issue an unlimited number of cannabis licenses; applicants who complete the online licensing process will receive a license.

The CCD finalized its rules for New Mexico’s adult-use cannabis producers in August and is in the process of drafting regulations for manufacturers and retailers, which must be finalized by Jan. 1, 2022.

Adult-use cannabis sales must launch no later than April 2022 under New Mexico’s Cannabis Regulation Act.